Letters: Readers endorse $49M Wyoming schools bond proposal

Some letter writers are endorsing Wyoming Public School's $49 million bond proposal, set to be voted on in November.

Voters earlier this year defeated a $53.1 million proposal, but some argue the most recently plan is essential for bolstering students' education.

Other letter writers endorsed in the Grandville city council race and one urges a "no" vote on Grand Rapids' park tax request.

Yes on Wyoming schools bond proposal

On Nov. 5, the Wyoming School District will have the opportunity to make an impact on our children's future, as well as our communities.

Our family will be voting YES on both Proposal I and II.

As parents, community members and homeowners in Wyoming, we see the value in this investment. It is vital that our schools are safe, that our facilities meet the needs of our programs, that our schools are valued and that we draw people into our community (both individuals and businesses). The results of November 5, will impact all of us, those with children in the district and those without.

Settling for "good enough" is not enough. Our community deserves to be proud of its schools, its facilities and its reputation. The impact of not investing, could result in decreased home sales and decreased new business growth. It could result in families and current businesses making tough choices.

We do not want that. Please join us in not settling for "good enough".

Our community. Our kids. They are worth it!

Eric and Tara Van Dyke, Wyoming

On Nov. 5 my family will be voting yes on Wyoming Public Schools bond proposals I and II .

We truly believe the school district is the hub of any community and it is important for increased safety and updated buildings (interior and exterior) for our district and community to thrive.

It effects everyone! Whether you have kids in school or not. Families will not move into a community if schools are not updated or comparable to neighboring districts. We would rather pay extra taxes in support of this bond then have our home depreciate without it.

Wyoming Public schools is an amazing district with amazing kids who deserve the best that their community can give them. We are the silent district that most people pass by, not knowing what they are missing, it is time for our schools and our community to rise up and let everyone know WE ARE HERE!

That is why we are voting YES on Nov 5 in support of Wyoming Public Schools.

Lisa and Lewis Manley, Wyoming

Vote down parks tax

The Grand Rapids millage proposal for the city parks is on the Nov. 5 ballot. I am encouraging people to vote NO. The money will be disbursed to Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Downtown Development Authority, Kent County Land Bank Authority, SmartZone Local Development Finance Authority, Monroe North TIFA, Madison Square CIDA, North Quarter CIDA, and Uptown CIDA.

These groups don’t take care of our city parks. We have the City Parks and Recreation Department to take care of our city parks. This millage is simply a fraud on the citizens of Grand Rapids to elicit money under the guise of our parks when in fact it will be funneled to groups that do not take care of our Parks.

Shame on you, City Commission.

Elizabeth Paskiewicz, Grand Rapids

Zinger for Grandville City Council

Steve Zinger would make an excellent addition to the Grandville City Council. I have worked with him at Smith Diamond Realty for 19 years and have always found him to be honest and ethical working on behalf of his clients.

I’m sure that these traits will carry over into his service for the City of Grandville. I encourage my friends in Grandville to vote for Steve Zinger.